For the Quarter Ending September 2025
North America
• In USA, the Fluoroelastomer Price Index fell by 4.8% quarter-over-quarter, driven by weak automotive demand.
• The average Fluoroelastomer price for the quarter was approximately USD 33551.67/MT on FOB USGC basis.
• Fluoroelastomer Spot Price remained range bound as suppliers prioritized contract volumes, keeping the Price Index stable.
• Fluoroelastomer Production Cost Trend showed easing as feedstock and freight costs stabilized, supporting margin maintenance.
• Fluoroelastomer Demand Outlook points to steady automotive and aerospace consumption, offsetting weakness in construction markets regionally.
• Fluoroelastomer Price Forecast suggests limited upside near term as inventories remain adequate and buying subdued currently.
• Fluoroelastomer Price Index volatility declined amid coordinated supplier discipline and smooth logistics across major US ports.
• Export demand and OEM restocking supported spot buying while producers managed allocations to protect margins.
Why did the price of Fluoroelastomer change in September 2025 in North America?
• Balanced supply and steady production limited upward pressure despite softer automotive demand and export momentum.
• Contained feedstock and freight cost pressures restrained pass-through, keeping contract pricing aligned with inventory levels.
• Smooth logistics and disciplined supplier allocations reduced spot market urgency, producing sideways Price Index movement.
APAC
• In Japan, the Fluoroelastomer Price Index fell by 4.14% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting subdued demand and inventory.
• The average Fluoroelastomer price for the quarter was approximately USD 24782.67/MT, according to FOB-Tokyo reports.
• Fluoroelastomer Spot Price remained range-bound, keeping the Price Index steady amid balanced production and procurement.
• Fluoroelastomer Demand Outlook, supported by automotive and semiconductor orders prevented larger downside in the quarter.
• Fluoroelastomer Production Cost Trend showed stability as feedstock availability remained adequate, limiting cost-driven inflation short-term.
• Fluoroelastomer Price Index pressured by lower exports and inventory buildup, while domestic operations stayed uninterrupted.
• Logistics and currency fluctuations affected landed costs, while suppliers-maintained pricing strategies to stabilize markets.
• Near-term Fluoroelastomer Price Forecast indicates range-bound movement as suppliers manage inventories and avoid aggressive discounts.
Why did the price of Fluoroelastomer change in September 2025 in APAC?
• Supply-side stability with steady production and inventory accumulation reduced urgency for spot buying, weighing on prices.
• Demand softness from automotive export weakness and cautious procurement limited upward pressure on the Price Index.
• Stable feedstock costs and orderly logistics prevented cost-push inflation, keeping market sentiment neutral overall during the quarter.
Europe
• In France, the Fluoroelastomer Price Index fell by 0.039% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting disciplined supplier allocations and balanced demand management.
• The average Fluoroelastomer price for the quarter was approximately USD 51174.33/MT FD-Le Havre, reflecting stable weekly values and narrow trading ranges.
• Fluoroelastomer Spot Price remained range-bound, reinforcing a neutral Fluoroelastomer Price Index amid balanced supply and demand.
• Near-term Fluoroelastomer Price Forecast suggests modest upside risk as suppliers adopt cautious allocations ahead of winter.
• Fluoroelastomer Production Cost Trend shows stable feedstock and flat energy inputs, limiting immediate upward pressure on prices.
• Fluoroelastomer Demand Outlook is mixed with aerospace resilience offsetting automotive weakness, supporting overall near-term equilibrium.
• Inventory management and improved Le Havre logistics helped stabilize the Fluoroelastomer Price Index and spot availability.
• Major producers reported normal operations without outages, limiting supply shocks and keeping Fluoroelastomer market volatility subdued.
Why did the price of Fluoroelastomer change in September 2025 in Europe?
• Balanced supply and steady aerospace demand offset weaker automotive offtake, producing limited net price movement.
• Improved port efficiency eased logistics delays; flat feedstock and energy costs limited additional price pressure.
• Suppliers disciplined allocations and buyer purchases balanced inventories, preventing significant spot price movements during September.
For the Quarter Ending June 2025
North America
• Fluoroelastomer (FKM) prices in North America held stable Q o Q in Q2 2025, supported by consistent supply and muted demand from key sectors.
• Supply remained well-balanced, with major producers such as Chemours, Solvay, and 3M/Dyneon maintaining steady operating rates.
• Weakening demand from automotive and industrial markets, along with slower export orders and cautious restocking by converters, limited domestic buying.
• A slight dip in key input costs like raw materials and freight provided some support to pricing dynamics, helping maintain margin stability.
• Logistical hiccups—including port congestion and inland transport delays—added local pressure to trading conditions.
Why did the price of FKM change in July 2025 in the US?
• FKM prices remained modestly up in July 2025.
• End-use demand from automotive and aerospace remained flat, offering little momentum for price increases.
• Elevated inventories and aggressive pricing from overseas suppliers, especially in Asia, exerted downward pressure.
• Producers absorbed input cost increases to preserve market share, prioritizing contract continuity over margin gains.
Europe
• FKM prices in Europe rose approximately +0.6% Q o Q in Q2 2025, reflecting improved demand signals.
• Supply remained disciplined, with European producers managing production rates to align with demand patterns.
• Input cost trending—driven by raw material and energy costs—remained moderate, helping contain price escalation.
• Firms faced persistent export competition and logistical barriers (e.g. port congestion), keeping pricing buoyant but cautious.
• Aviation and automotive upticks provided some offtake support, moderating downside risk.
Why did the price of FKM change in July 2025 in Europe?
• FKM prices experienced a slight increase in July 2025.
• Strengthening vehicle registrations and Airbus deliveries improved end-market sentiment.
• Controlled supply release and competitiveness in export channels supported price resilience.
• Suppliers maintained balanced pricing policies to preserve volumes without triggering spot volatility.
Asia Pacific
• FKM prices in APAC edged up by +0.2% Q o Q during Q2 2025, driven by recovering regional demand.
• Asian producers operated at high rates, managing inventories cautiously to avoid pressure on domestic pricing.
• Supportive raw material pricing trends (e.g. consistent fluoropolymer feedstock costs) helped stabilize production cost.
• Demand remained mixed: rebound in automotive and aerospace mixed with slower electronics/semiconductor demand.
• Export interest from China and South Korea provided additional buffer for regional pricing.
Why did the price of FKM change in July 2025 in APAC?
• FKM prices posted a modest increase in July 2025.
• Improving Japanese vehicle sales and strong automotive exports helped sustain procurement interest.
• Korean and Japanese suppliers adjusted prices to reflect improving downstream demand and to maintain export competitiveness.
• Supportive Aerospace and the semiconductor sectors demand globally is stimulating the FKM demand and pricing towards upside.
For the Quarter Ending March 2025
North America
• The Fluoroelastomer Spot Price in North America declined by 1.71% quarter-over-quarter in Q1 2025, reflected in a softer Price Index.
• Stable supply with consistent production and sufficient inventory was offset by tempered demand from automotive, aerospace, and semiconductor sectors.
• Logistical challenges, including proposed maritime shipping fee hikes, added supply-side pressures, though no major outages occurred.
• Moderate growth in automotive sales and fluctuating aerospace demand (notably due to Boeing’s production issues) influenced the Fluoroelastomer Demand Outlook.
• Rising raw material and labor costs were present but balanced by cautious procurement amid steady interest rates and cautious consumer sentiment.
Why did the price of Fluoroelastomer change in April 2025 in the US?
• In April 2025, the Fluoroelastomer Price Index remained steady further due to persistent demand softness despite stable supply and ongoing cost pressures.
• The Fluoroelastomer Production Cost Trend showed upward pressure from raw materials and labor, but market prices remained subdued.
• The Fluoroelastomer Price Forecast indicates continued muted price movements, with resilience tempered by demand uncertainty.
APAC
• The Fluoroelastomer Spot Price in Japan fell by 2.46% quarter-over-quarter in Q1 2025, causing a downward movement in the Price Index.
• Softer demand from semiconductor manufacturing and some automotive sector challenges weighed on the market, despite strong vehicle sales and semiconductor growth globally.
• Manufacturers managed inventories effectively amid stable supply and smooth port operations, preventing oversupply issues.
• Export activity remained stable, but global uncertainties and trade policies dampened business confidence, contributing to cautious procurement.
• FKM pricing stayed relatively stable due to supplier focus on high-value applications, balancing overall price pressures.
Why did the price of Fluoroelastomer change in April 2025 in Asia?
• In April 2025, the Fluoroelastomer Price Index stable due to subdued demand growth and ongoing cautious sentiment, despite supply-side stability.
• The Fluoroelastomer Production Cost Trend was steady with no significant disruptions reported.
• The Fluoroelastomer Demand Outlook remains cautious but balanced by resilient automotive sector performance.
• The Fluoroelastomer Price Forecast expects mild downward pressure unless demand in key sectors strengthens.
Europe
• The Fluoroelastomer Spot Price in Europe dropped by 1.14% quarter-over-quarter in Q1 2025, reflected in the declining Price Index.
• Supply was stable with steady local production and imports, though logistical disruptions at key ports (Hamburg, Rotterdam, Le Havre) caused delays and uncertainty.
• Demand remained weak in the automotive sector with declining new car registrations, partially offset by resilience in aerospace (notably Airbus order growth).
• Germany’s improving business sentiment and ECB interest rate cuts provided some positive support but were insufficient to reverse the price decline.
Why did the price of Fluoroelastomer change in April 2025 in Europe?
• In April 2025, the Fluoroelastomer Price Index decreased further due to weak automotive demand and ongoing supply chain uncertainties.
• The Fluoroelastomer Production Cost Trend remained steady, supported by stable supply but challenged by logistical complexities.
• The Fluoroelastomer Demand Outlook is cautious, with automotive weakness dominating despite some aerospace strength.
• The Fluoroelastomer Price Forecast suggests continued softness unless automotive sector conditions improve markedly.
For the Quarter Ending December 2024
North America
The US Fluoroelastomer (FKM) market demonstrated a stable trend throughout the last quarter, with prices experiencing a marginal 0.05% increase. This modest growth reflects balanced market fundamentals supported by stable supply and strategic inventory management by suppliers. While the automotive sector maintained steady demand, particularly for hybrid and electric vehicles, the aerospace sector's subdued performance limited broader market gains.
Manufacturing activity in the US showcased mixed results. The automotive industry saw consistent growth, with vehicle sales rising steadily across October, November, and December. However, the aerospace sector faced challenges, including production delays, labor strikes, and regulatory scrutiny, which hindered recovery despite isolated positive developments like Boeing's large order for 787 MAX 10 jets.
On the supply side, suppliers ensured robust inventories, mitigating the impact of port congestion and logistical disruptions during the holiday season. Improved stock management minimized supply chain challenges, allowing for smooth order fulfilment. Overall, the marginal price increase reflects a cautiously optimistic market outlook driven by the resilience of key sectors like automotive and effective supplier actions, despite headwinds in manufacturing and muted international trade flows.
APAC
In the last quarter, Fluoroelastomer (FKM) prices in Japan experienced a modest 0.16% increase from the previous quarter. The market demonstrated resilience, maintaining stable price levels despite various challenges, including weak demand from the automotive sector and logistical constraints, such as port congestion and extended lead times. The aerospace sector, however, remained a positive driver, supporting overall market stability, with strong performance from companies like Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, which reported growth in aerospace orders and revenues. The supply of FKM in Japan was adequate, with inventory management playing a key role in maintaining price stability. Manufacturers faced logistical issues but noted some improvement in raw material availability, which helped offset delays. On the demand side, moderate demand was seen across key sectors, with domestic automotive sales declining, while overseas demand provided some support. The cautious market sentiment, coupled with improving raw material availability, allowed manufacturers to maintain stable pricing despite challenges. Overall, the modest increase in pricing reflects a balanced market, with steady supply, cautious demand, and ongoing logistical hurdles influencing the overall dynamics.
Europe
The German Fluoroelastomer (FKM) market exhibited relative stability during the fourth quarter of 2024, with prices experiencing a modest 0.58% decrease compared to the previous quarter. This decline reflects cautious inventory management and a balanced supply-demand dynamic, supported by steady production levels and reliable import availability. From a manufacturing perspective, suppliers maintained stable output, ensuring adequate inventory levels despite logistical challenges such as port congestion in Hamburg and other European hubs. Improved operational efficiencies mitigated disruptions, enhancing delivery performance. On the demand side, automotive sector performance fluctuated, with a gradual decline in new passenger car registrations through the quarter. November saw a slight uptick in registrations, but December closed on a weaker note, dampening overall sentiment. Conversely, the aerospace sector provided steady support, with Airbus recording robust deliveries and orders throughout the quarter, contributing to stable consumption of high-performance elastomers like FKM. Economic challenges in Europe, including weak manufacturing activity and declining business confidence, further restrained market momentum. However, prudent supplier actions, aligned with cautious procurement strategies, helped prevent significant price volatility, ensuring market equilibrium despite broader uncertainties.
